CommuTalk Reporter
MASVINGO – Once thrilled upon announcement that they will play top flight football upon close of the 2023 soccer season, Bikita Minerals FC were later left ambiguous following Tenax FC’s challenge to their promotion.
Bikita were awarded points for their final league game against Grayham, after playing under protest and successfully appealing against the use of an ineligible player by their opponents.
But the decision taken by the Eastern Region Soccer League’s (ERSL) disciplinary committee did not sit well with eventual runners-up Tenax, who took the matter up with the Normalisation Committee.
Initially, Lincoln Mutasa’s leadership had set an Appeals Committee to preside over the case before noting their boob in starting a fresh case at an appeal stage.
They have now summoned the ESRL board to come for a disciplinary hearing to answer to charges of ignoring a complaint from Tenax in their determination of the Division One champions.
The disciplinary committee then filed fresh papers and the ERSL is expected to respond today or, latest tomorrow (Wednesday 27 February 2024)
Drawing a scale tipped to Tenax FC’s side, the charge sheet outlined by ZIFA prosecutor, Chipo Chichetu however suggests that finality on the status of the ERSL champions is still a long shot.
“You the ERSL are hereby invited to answer to the charges set out hereunder:
“Violating rule 16.1 of the ERSL Division One rules and article 55 of the ZIFA statutes in that you failed to appoint a disciplinary committee to deal with the problem that arose between Bikita Minerals and Grayham on the 18th November 2023.
“Violating ZIFA rules and regulations in that you failed to give notice of attendance to a hearing to determine the issue between Bikita Minerals and Grayham for the purpose of ensuring that parties adequately prepare and if need be, enlist the services of a legal practitioner for representation
“Violating rule 4 of the ZIFA rules and regulations 2015 in that you failed to conduct a hearing in terms of ZIFA statutes to determine the above dispute
“Violating, infringing Tenax Football Club’s administrative right to be heard and to be informed timeously of all decisions affecting it
“Violating Article 2 proviso e and f of the ZIFA statutes in that you failed to observe and respect the objectives of ZIFA
“Violating Article 32 of the FIFA rules and regulations in that you failed to uphold and maintain the spirit of independence and impartiality contemplated by the FIFA rules and regulations
“Violating ZIFA statutes in that you failed to act reasonably and in a fair manner in your determination of the complaint by Tenax. This contravenes the objectives of ZIFA as set out in Article 2 of the ZIFA statutes,’’ read part of the long charge sheet.
Bikita Minerals FC have also remained positive and continued with Premiership prepeartions having played training matched with Manica Diamonds, Mutare City, TelOne FC and Triangle FC.
PSL have already inducted Chegutu Pirates, TelOne and Arenel after their confirmation as Northern, Central and Southern Region champions.
Meanwhile, the PSL has further postponed commencement of the 2024 league games citing need to ensure availability of “safe, secure and adequate venues to host the Castle Lager PSL matches”.
